Boots with external heel counters

ABSTRACT

Boots with external heel counters are disclosed herein. An external heel counter can include a heel counter body that is configured to form at least a portion of an external surface of a boot, where the heel counter body is configured to extend around a heel portion of the boot between an outsole of the boot and an upper of the boot. An external heel counter can further include a spur rest configured to support a yoke of a spur. Boots having an outsole and an upper, where the upper is configured to receive a wearer&#39;s foot, can receive and couple with an external heel counter according, wherein the external heel counter is configured to support the wearer&#39;s heel when the wearer wears the boot.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application 61/825,864 and to U.S. provisional patent application 61/825,873, both filed on May 21, 2013, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed generally to footwear, and more particularly to boots that include an external heel counter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Boots generally include a heel counter, which is located inside the boot between a lining of the boot and an outsole of the boot. The heel counter is formed and/or molded to support and position a wearer's heel while the wearer is wearing the boot, and the heel counter may thereby also provide stability to the wearer's ankle and/or foot. A traditional heel counter is secured within the boot prior to assembly, or welting, of an upper, which includes the lining, to the outsole.

Wearers of western and/or equestrian boots often may utilize spurs, which are tools that may be operatively attached, or coupled, to the wearer's boot, and positioned for engaging and/or directing a horse. Spurs typically have a yoke that wraps partially around a rear portion of the boot and that is attached to the boot by one or more straps. This yoke additionally or alternatively may be referred to as a band or a heel band.

There is a continued need for improvement in heel counter construction, particularly a need for heel counters to support spurs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

An external heel counter can include a heel counter body that is configured to form at least a portion of an external surface of a boot, where the heel counter body is configured to extend around a heel portion of the boot between an outsole of the boot and an upper of the boot. An external heel counter can further include a spur rest configured to support a yoke of a spur. Boots having an outsole and an upper, where the upper is configured to receive a wearer's foot, can receive and couple with an external heel counter, wherein the external heel counter is configured to support the wearer's heel when the wearer wears the boot. In aspects, an external heel counter can provide stability and balance to a boot, similar to a traditional boot counter, thereby removing the need for a boot counter in the internal structure of a boot.

In some embodiments, an external heel counter can include a heel counter body that is configured to form at least a portion of an external surface of a boot, wherein the heel counter body is configured to extend around a heel portion of the boot between an outsole of the boot and an upper of the boot. In some aspects, an external heel counter can further include a spur rest that is configured to support a yoke of a spur. In other aspects, an external heel counter can have the spur rest located at least partially between the yoke and the outsole when the spur is operatively attached to the boot. In further aspects, an external heel counter can have the spur rest sized to resist motion of a portion of the yoke that is in contact with the spur rest toward the outsole. In some aspects, an external heel counter can have the spur rest be defined by a protrusion on an external surface of the external heel counter. In other aspects, an external heel counter can have the spur rest be defined by the heel counter body. In further aspects, an external heel counter can have the external heel counter further include a spur biasing structure.

In some aspects, an external heel counter can include the spur biasing structure as configured to permit motion of the yoke toward the spur rest responsive to application of a first force of greater than a first threshold magnitude to the yoke in a direction that is generally toward the spur rest. In other aspects, an external heel counter can have the spur biasing structure as configured to permit motion of the yoke away from the spur rest responsive to application of a second force of greater than a second threshold magnitude to the yoke in a direction that is generally away from the spur rest. In such aspects, the second threshold magnitude can be greater than the first threshold magnitude, and optionally the second threshold magnitude can be at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 8, or at least 10 times greater than the first threshold magnitude. In further aspects, an external heel counter can include the spur biasing structure as configured to preferentially permit motion of the yoke toward the spur rest and resist motion of the yoke away from the spur rest. In some aspects, an external heel counter can have the spur biasing structure as configured to bias the yoke toward the spur rest. In other aspects, an external heel counter can have the spur biasing structure be defined by a plurality of serrations on a/the external surface of the external heel counter. In further aspects, an external heel counter can include a plurality of serrations which define a first angle of approach on a side that faces generally toward the spur rest and a second angle of approach on a side that faces generally away from the spur seat, optionally where the first angle of approach is different from the second angle of approach, and further optionally where the first angle of approach is greater than the second angle of approach. In other aspects, an external heel counter can have a spur biasing structure defined by the heel counter body. In further aspects, an external heel counter can have a heel counter body formed from at least one of a polymeric material, rubber, a polyurethane, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a flexible material, a resilient material, a rough material, a textured material, and/or a knurled material.

In other embodiments, a boot can include an upper that is configured to receive a wearer's foot, an outsole that is operatively attached to the upper and is configured to contact a ground surface when the wearer wears the boot, and an external heel counter, where the external heel counter is configured to support the wearer's heel when the wearer wears the boot. In some aspects, a boot can include an external heel counter which defines at least a portion of an external surface of the boot. In other aspects, a boot can include a portion where the external surface of the boot extends between the outsole and the upper. In further aspects, a boot can include a portion where the external surface of the boot extends around the heel portion of the boot. In some aspects, a boot can have an upper that defines an outer surface, and the external heel counter is secured to at least a portion of the outer surface. In other aspects, a boot can specifically not include an inner heel counter. In further aspects, a boot can have an external heel counter which is the only heel counter that is associated with the boot. In some aspects, a boot can include a spur that is operatively attached to the heel portion of the boot.

In further embodiments, a method of assembling a boot can include operatively attaching an upper, which is configured to receive a wearer's foot, to an outsole, which is configured to contact a ground surface when the wearer wears the boot, to define an upper-outsole assembly, and securing an external heel counter to an outer surface of the upper-outsole assembly. In some aspects, the method of operatively attaching includes welting the upper to the outsole. In other aspects, the method of the securing is subsequent to the operatively attaching. In further aspects, the method of securing includes adhering the external heel counter to the outer surface of the upper-outsole assembly. In some aspects, the method of securing includes forming the external heel counter on the outer surface of the upper-outsole assembly. In other aspects, the method of securing includes securing the external heel counter to the outer surface of the upper-outsole assembly with at least one mechanical fastener, and optionally with stitches. In further aspects, the method can include use of an external heel counter as described herein. In yet further aspects, the method can include use of a boot as described herein.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages are described below with reference to the following drawings, and will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an illustrative, non-exclusive example of a step in a process flow for assembly of a boot that includes an external heel counter according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an illustrative, non-exclusive example of another step in a process flow for assembly of the boot of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of illustrative, non-exclusive examples of another step in a process flow for assembly of the boot of FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of illustrative, non-exclusive examples of an external heel counter according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a non-exclusive example of a side view of a boot that includes an external heel counter according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a non-exclusive example of an opposed side view of the boot of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a non-exclusive example of an external heel counter according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the external heel counter of FIG. 7 taken along line A-A in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting a method according to the present disclosure of assembling a boot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Throughout this description for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the many embodiments disclosed herein. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the many embodiments may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in diagram or schematic form to avoid obscuring the underlying principles of the described embodiments.

An external heel counter can provide stability, support, and balance to a boot, similar to a traditional boot counter, thereby removing the need for a boot counter in the internal structure of a boot. By being located on the exterior of a boot, the structure of an external heel counter, which can be more rigid and mechanically supportive than traditional boot exteriors such as leather, can be configured to further provide for gripping, mounting, or other operative structures. In some aspects, the external heel counter can be configured to couple with a spur or spur yoke, providing a stronger or more secure attachment of the spur to the boot.

FIGS. 1-8 provide illustrative, non-exclusive examples of boots 10, external heel counters 100, and/or components thereof according to the present disclosure. Elements that serve a similar, or at least substantially similar, purpose are labeled with like numbers in each of FIGS. 1-8, and these elements may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each of FIGS. 1-8. Similarly, all elements may not be labeled in each of FIGS. 1-8, but reference numerals associated therewith may be utilized herein for consistency. Elements, components, and/or features that are discussed herein with reference to one or more of FIGS. 1-8 may be included in and/or utilized with any of FIGS. 1-8 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In general, elements that are likely to be included in a given (i.e., a particular) embodiment are illustrated in solid lines, while elements that are optional to a given embodiment are illustrated in dashed lines. However, elements that are shown in solid lines are not essential to all embodiments, and an element shown in solid lines may be omitted from a particular embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1-3 are schematic representations of illustrative, non-exclusive examples of steps in a process flow for assembly of a boot 10 that includes an external heel counter 100 according to the present disclosure. As illustrated, boots 10 include an upper 20, which is configured to receive a wearer's foot and at least a lower portion of the wearer's leg, an outsole 50, which is configured to contact a ground surface when the wearer wears boot 10, and external heel counter 100, which is configured to support the wearer's heel when the wearer wears the boot. As should be understood from conventional boots, when boot 10 is worn, the wearer's foot rests, or at least presses upon, the outsole, typically with a foot bed and/or midsole being positioned between the wearer's foot and the more durable external portion of the outsole. When boot 10 is worn, the upper extends around the sides and top of the wearer's foot, as well as the wearer's heel, ankle, Achilles region and at least a portion of the wearer's lower leg.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, and during assembly of boots 10 that include external heel counters 100 according to the present disclosure, upper 20, outsole 50, and external heel counter 100 initially may be separate from one another, may be fabricated, manufactured, and/or assembled separately, and/or may not be operatively attached to one another. Subsequently, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, upper 20 and outsole 50 may be operatively attached to one another to form an upper-outsole assembly 30. However, external heel counter 100 still may be separate, spaced apart from, and/or not operatively attached to the upper-outsole assembly. This operative attachment may include operatively attaching the upper to the outsole to form the upper-outsole assembly in any suitable manner. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, the upper and the outsole may be operatively attached to one another using a welting process, although other assembly methods and/or mechanisms are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Subsequent to formation of upper-outsole assembly 30, and as illustrated in FIG. 3, external heel counter 100 may be operatively attached and/or otherwise bonded or secured to the upper-outsole assembly (or to an external surface 32 thereof) to form boot 10, which may be (but is not required to be) a completed, or completely formed, boot 10.

External heel counter 100 may include any suitable structure that may be operatively secured to upper-outsole assembly 30 and may be constructed, sized, and/or configured to support the wearer's heel. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, at least a portion, or all, of external heel counter 100 may be formed from a heel counter body 110 that extends around a heel portion 12 of boot 10 and/or between rear/heel portions of upper 20 and outsole 50 (as illustrated in FIG. 3).

It is within the scope of the present disclosure that external heel counter 100 may include one or more additional structures that may be formed by heel counter body 110 and/or operatively attached thereto. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, external heel counter 100 also may include (and/or heel counter body 110 thereof may define) a spur rest 120 (which may alternatively be referred to as a spur ledge or a spur seat) that is configured to support a yoke 92 of a spur 90, which may be operatively attached to boot 10, such as via any suitable strap 94 (as illustrated in FIG. 3). As another illustrative, non-exclusive example, external heel counter 100 additionally or alternatively may include (and/or heel counter body 110 thereof may define) a spur biasing structure 130, which is discussed in more detail herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, external heel counter 100 may define at least a portion of an external surface 14 of boot 10. This may include a portion of the external surface that extends around heel portion 12 and/or a portion of the external surface that extends between outsole 50 and upper 20, as discussed.

As discussed herein, traditional boots may include an internal heel counter that may be located internal to the boot, may not define a portion of external surface 14, and/or may be located between upper 20 and outsole 50 prior to the upper and the outsole being operatively attached to one another. However, boots 10 disclosed herein that include external heel counters 100 may not include an internal heel counter. Additionally or alternatively, external heel counter 100 may be the only heel counter that is associated with, utilized in, and/or operatively attached to boots 10.

It is within the scope of the present disclosure that external heel counter 100 may include and/or be formed from any suitable material, or materials. As illustrative, non-exclusive examples, external heel counter 100 may include, be formed from, and/or be defined by any suitable polymeric material, rubber, polyurethane, and/or thermoplastic polyurethane. As additional illustrative, non-exclusive examples, external heel counter 100 also may include, be formed from, and/or be defined by any suitable flexible and/or resilient material.

It also is within the scope of the present disclosure that external heel counter 100 further may define any suitable surface conformation. As illustrative, non-exclusive examples, the external heel counter may define a rough surface, a textured surface, and/or a knurled surface.

Spur rest 120 may include any suitable structure that is designed, constructed, sized, and/or configured to support yoke 92 of spur 90. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, and as illustrated in FIG. 3, spur rest 120 may be located between spur 90, when present, and outsole 50 and may be configured to resist motion of spur 90 (or at least a portion of yoke 92 that is in contact with the spur seat) therepast and/or toward outsole 50. As another illustrative, non-exclusive example, spur rest 120 may include, be, and/or be defined by a stop, rib, or other protrusion 122 on an external surface 102 of external heel counter 100.

It is within the scope of the present disclosure that spur rest 120 may be defined by and/or integral with heel counter body 110. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, external heel counter 100 (or heel counter body 110 thereof) may include and/or be a monolithic external heel counter 100 that includes spur rest 120. Additionally or alternatively, it also is within the scope of the present disclosure that spur rest 120 may be operatively attached to external heel counter 100.

Spur biasing structure 130 may include any suitable structure that is designed, constructed, sized, and/or configured to bias, direct, and/or otherwise preferentially direct spur 90, when present, toward, and/or into contact with spur rest 120. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, and as discussed in more detail herein with reference to FIGS. 7-8, spur biasing structure 130 may include and/or be a plurality of serrations 132 that may bias the spur toward the spur rest. Serrations 132 also may be referred to herein as teeth 132 and/or as ridges 132.

As discussed, spur biasing structure 130 is configured to bias, or preferentially bias, spur 90, when present, toward spur rest 120. However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that spur biasing structure 130 also may permit motion of spur 90, when present, away from spur rest 120. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, spur biasing structure 130 may be configured to preferentially permit motion of spur 90 (or yoke 92 thereof) toward spur rest 120, while resisting (but not preventing) motion of the yoke away from the spur rest. This is discussed in more detail herein with reference to FIG. 4.

As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, boots 10 according to the present disclosure may be worn by a wearer while the wearer is riding a horse, or other animal, and the wearer may locate and/or place boots 10 within stirrups of a saddle. Under these conditions, it may be desirable to quickly remove the boots from the stirrups, and this quick removal may be facilitated by rotation and/or motion of spur 90 away from spur rest 120. In somewhat different terms, removal of boots from stirrups may be hindered, or slowed, when the spur is prevented from pivoting, or otherwise moving, away from spur rest 120. Thus, spur biasing structure 130 may be configured to permit such a rotation and/or motion of spur 90. However, and as discussed in more detail herein, spur biasing structure 130 may be constructed such that a force that is needed to rotate, or move, spur 90 away from spur rest 120 may be greater than a force that is needed to rotate, or move, spur 90 toward spur rest 120. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, spur biasing structure 130 may be configured to prevent bouncing and/or motion of spur 90 relative to boot 10 in a direction that is away from spur rest 120 while the wearer is riding the horse (i.e., due to the forces that are applied to the spur by momentum and/or gravity). As another illustrative, non-exclusive example, spur biasing structure 130 also may be configured to permit motion of spur 90 relative to boot 10 in a direction that is toward spur rest 120 while the wearer is riding the horse (i.e., due to the forces that are applied to the spur by momentum and/or gravity).

Similar to spur rest 120, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that spur biasing structure 130 may be defined by and/or integral with heel counter body 110. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, external heel counter 100 (or heel counter body 110 thereof) may include and/or be a monolithic external heel counter 100 that includes spur biasing structure 130. Additionally or alternatively, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure that spur biasing structure 130 may be operatively attached to external heel counter 100.

Upper 20 may include any suitable structure that is sized, designed, constructed, and/or configured to receive a wearer's foot and may be constructed from any suitable material. This may include any suitable conventional upper that may be utilized in conventional boots. As illustrative, non-exclusive examples, upper 20 may include a shaft 22 and a shell (or vamp) 24, with shaft 22 permitting entry of the wearer's foot into shell 24 and encircling a lower portion of a wearer's leg when the wearer is wearing the boot, and with shell 24 housing the wearer's foot while the wearer is wearing boot 10. Typically, shaft 22 (which additionally or alternatively may be referred to as a chimney) will extend around at least an ankle and Achilles portion of the wearer's lower leg, with some shafts extending to the wearer's mid-calf and/or to or toward the wearer's knee. As additional illustrative, non-exclusive examples, upper 20 may be constructed from naturally occurring materials, leather, cloth, synthetic materials, and/or polymers. Additional illustrative, non-exclusive examples of uppers 20 that may be utilized with and/or included in boots 10 according to the present disclosure are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,010, the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Outsole 50 may include any suitable structure that is sized, designed, constructed, and/or configured to contact the ground surface when the wearer wears boots 10. This may include any suitable conventional outsole that may be utilized in conventional boots. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, outsole 50 may include and/or have attached thereto a heel, or heel cap, 52. Heel 52 may be described as a projecting heel, or projecting heel cap, because it extends away from the shaft and defines an engagement surface 63, such as may be used to engage and position the boot within a stirrup. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that outsole 50 may be formed and/or constructed from any suitable material, or combinations of materials, including naturally occurring materials, leather, rubber, synthetic materials, and/or polymers. As indicated in FIG. 2, outsole 50 may include a shank 64, which supports an arch region 65 of the outsole, and may include and/or be used in combination with a midsole 66 and/or footbed 67, which (when present) are located closer to the wearer's foot when the boot is worn than the remainder of the outsole. The outer (i.e., ground contacting or bottom) surface 68 of outsole 50 and/or heel 52 may optionally include a tread structure 69. Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of outsoles 50 that may be included in and/or utilized with boots 10 according to the present disclosure are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2010/0126044 and 2011/0271553, the complete disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

As discussed herein, a wearer may wear boots 10 according to the present disclosure while riding a horse (or other animal). As also discussed, this may include inserting and/or locating boots 10 within a stirrup of a saddle, and it from time to time (and sometimes unexpectedly) may be desirable to quickly remove boots 10 from the saddle. With this in mind, outsoles 50 according to the present disclosure may include a rounded and/or radiused edge 70. This rounded and/or radiused edge 70 may decrease binding and/or friction between outsole 50 and the stirrup, thereby facilitating faster removal of the boot from the stirrup.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of illustrative, non-exclusive examples of an external heel counter 100 according to the present disclosure that may include and/or be external heel counter 100 of FIGS. 1-3. As discussed, external heel counter 100 may be formed from a heel counter body 110 and may include a spur rest 120 and a spur biasing structure 130. As also discussed, spur biasing structure 130 may be configured to permit motion of spur 90 (or yoke 92 thereof) both toward spur rest 120 and away from the spur rest. However, the spur biasing structure may be configured to preferentially bias the spur toward and/or into contact with the spur rest.

As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, spur biasing structure 130 may be configured to permit motion of yoke 92 toward spur rest 120 responsive to application of a first force 134 of greater than a first threshold magnitude thereto in a direction that is generally toward the spur rest (as illustrated in solid lines). As another illustrative, non-exclusive example, spur biasing structure 130 also may be configured to permit motion of yoke 92 away from spur rest 120 responsive to application of a second force 136 of greater than a second threshold magnitude thereto in a direction that is generally away from the spur rest (as illustrated in dash-dot lines).

It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the second threshold magnitude may be greater than the first threshold magnitude, thereby permitting spur biasing structure 130 to preferentially bias the spur toward the spur rest. For example, the spur biasing structure may be configured to bias, or urge, the spur toward the spur rest and to resist upward/pivotal movement of the spur away from the seat during normal/regular use of the boot, such as when the wearer is walking, running, and riding a horse. However, when/if the wearer needs to remove the boot from a stirrup, this movement of the wearer's foot (and the attached boot and spur) relative to the stirrup may exert a force on the spur that overcomes this normal/first bias and permits the spur to pivot or otherwise move away from the spur seat, thereby permitting easier removal of the boot from the stirrup. As illustrative, non-exclusive examples, the second threshold magnitude may be at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 8, or at least 10 times greater than the first threshold magnitude. This preferential biasing may be accomplished using any suitable structure, such as serrations 132, which are discussed in more detail herein with reference to FIGS. 7-8.

FIGS. 5-8 are schematic illustrations of a non-exclusive examples of boots 10, external heel counters 100, and/or components thereof according to the present disclosure that may include and/or be boots 10 and/or external heel counters 100 of FIGS. 1-4. In FIGS. 5-8 locations, orientations, and/or dimensions of boots 10 and/or components thereof may be described in specific detail. These locations, orientations, and/or dimensions represent illustrative, non-exclusive examples of locations, orientations, and/or dimensions according to the present disclosure, and boots 10 and/or components thereof according to the present disclosure are not limited to the illustrated locations, orientations, and/or dimensions (including relative dimensions).

FIGS. 5-6 are schematic illustrations of a non-exclusive examples of opposed side views of boots 10 that include external heel counters 100 according to the present disclosure. In addition to external heel counter 100, boots 10 of FIGS. 5-6 also include upper 20 and outsole 50. As illustrated, external heel counter 100 includes a monolithic heel counter body 110 that defines both a spur rest 120 and a spur biasing structure 130, and spur biasing structure 130 includes a plurality of serrations 132, which are discussed in more detail herein with reference to FIGS. 7-8.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a non-exclusive example of an external heel counter 100 according to the present disclosure, and FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the external heel counter of FIG. 7 taken along line A-A in FIG. 7. As illustrated in FIGS. 7-8, external heel counter 100 includes a monolithic heel counter body 110 that defines a spur rest 120 and a spur biasing structure 130. Spur biasing structure 130 includes a plurality of serrations 132 that are oriented to bias a spur (as illustrated in FIGS. 3-4) toward spur rest 120.

In some aspects, a plurality of serrations 132 on the medial side of the external heel counter 100 can face either or both of toward the medial side and toward the lateral side (i.e. away from the centerline) of the external heel counter 100 and boot 10 to which the external heel counter 100 can be attached. In other aspects, a plurality of serrations 132 on the lateral side of the external heel counter 100 can face either or both of toward the lateral side and toward the medial side (again, away from the centerline) of the external heel counter 100 and boot 10 to which the external heel counter 100 can be attached. In illustrated aspects, details of the plurality of serrations 132 are shown, specifically serrations facing a first side 132′ of the external heel counter 100 and serrations facing a second side 132″ of the external heel counter 100. In various embodiments, either of the first side or second side can correspond to a medial or lateral side of a boot 10, depending on the configuration of the external heel counter 100.

As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, FIG. 8 shows serrations 132 that can define a first angle of approach 140 from, or on, a side that faces generally toward spur rest 120 and a second angle of approach 144 from, or on, a side that faces generally away from spur rest 120. As also illustrated, the first angle of approach may be different from (or greater than) the second angle of approach, such as to permit, facilitate, and/or produce the preferential biasing of the spur toward spur rest 120 (as illustrated in FIG. 4 and discussed herein). In some aspects, the first angle of approach 140 can be measured as the angle between the axis normal to the vertical plane of the external heel counter 100 and slope of the serrations 132 relative to the ground, where serration surface along the first angle of approach 140 can provide an amount of resistance to application of a first force 134. In other aspects, the second angle of approach 144 can be measured as the angle between the axis of the vertical plane of the external heel counter 100 and slope of the serrations 132 relative to the ground, where serration surface along second angle of approach 144 can provide an amount of resistance to application of a second force 136. The combination of the first angle of approach 140 and the second angle of approach 144 can bias and secure a spur 90 (or yoke 92 thereof) to a spur rest 120. In some aspects, the first angle of approach 140 can be from about 20° to about 70°, from about 30° to about 60°, or in particular aspects can be about 45°. In other aspects, the second angle of approach 144 can be from about 20° to about 70°, from about 30° to about 60°, or in particular aspects can be about 45°. In further aspects, the spur rest 120 can have an angle, as measured from a horizontal plane parallel to the ground, or primary surface of the a heel, down toward the ground, of from about 0° to about 10°.

In some aspects, individual teeth of the plurality of serrations 132 can have a length (measured along the surface of the external heel counter 100) of about 1 mm, about 2 mm, or about 3 mm. In other aspects, the individual teeth of the plurality of serrations 132 can have a varying length (measured along the surface of the external heel counter 100) of from about 1 mm to about 3 mm. In some aspects the external heel counter 100 can have a thickness of from about 2 mm to about 6 mm, where the thickness of the external heel counter 100 can vary due to the variable thicknesses of the spur rest 120, spur biasing structure 130, plurality of serrations 132, or other such protrusion 122. In further aspects, the main body of the external heel counter 100 can have a variable thickness of from about 1.5 mm to about 10.0 mm.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting a method 300 according to the present disclosure of assembling a boot. Method 300 includes operatively attaching, at 310, an upper (such as upper 20 of FIGS. 1-3 and 5-6) to an outsole (such as outsole 50 of FIGS. 1-3 and 5-6) to form an upper-outsole assembly (such as upper-outsole assembly 30 of FIG. 3). Method 300 further includes securing, at 320, an external heel counter (such as external heel counter 100 of FIGS. 1-8) to the upper-outsole assembly.

Operatively attaching the upper to the outsole at 310 may include operatively attaching the upper to the outsole in any suitable manner. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, the operatively attaching at 310 may include welting the upper to the outsole (or using a welting process to operatively attach the upper to the outsole).

Securing the external heel counter to the upper-outsole assembly at 320 may include bonding the external heel counter to an outer surface the upper-outsole assembly in any suitable manner and may be performed subsequent to the operatively attaching at 310. As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, the securing at 320 may include adhering and/or fusing the external heel counter to the outer surface of the upper-outsole assembly. As another illustrative, non-exclusive example, the securing at 320 also may include forming the external heel counter on the outer surface of the upper-outsole assembly. As still a further illustrative, non-exclusive example, the securing may include sewing, stitching, or otherwise using mechanical fasteners to secure the external heel counter to the upper-outsole assembly. In alternative embodiments, the external heel counter can be secured to the upper-outsole assembly with an adhesive, cement, or other such bonding element. Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of mechanical fasteners include thread/stitches, nails, and tacks. The external heel counter can alternatively or additionally be stitched or welted to the upper-outsole assembly, in particular examples along a top edge of the external heel counter. In further alternative embodiments, the external heel counter can be co-molded with the upper-outsole assembly, minimizing fabrication steps.

In the present disclosure, several of the illustrative, non-exclusive examples have been discussed and/or presented in the context of flow diagrams, or flow charts, in which the methods are shown and described as a series of blocks, or steps. Unless specifically set forth in the accompanying description, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the order of the blocks may vary from the illustrated order in the flow diagram, including with two or more of the blocks (or steps) occurring in a different order and/or concurrently.

As used herein, the terms “medial” and “medial side” refer to the inner side of a foot extending from the large toe to the heel, and the terms “lateral” and “lateral side” refer to the outer side of the foot extending from the small toe to the heel. Similarly, articles of footwear include medial and lateral sides that conform to the medial and lateral sides, respectively, of the foot. The term “centerline” refers to the major longitudinal axis along the length of an article of footwear, centered between the medial and lateral sides of the footwear article.

As used herein, the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one or more” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more of the entity in the list of entities, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every entity specifically listed within the list of entities and not excluding any combinations of entities in the list of entities. This definition also allows that entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified within the list of entities to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other entities). In other words, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” may mean A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B and C together, and optionally any of the above in combination with at least one other entity.

In the event that any patents, patent applications, or other references are incorporated by reference herein and (1) define a term in a manner that is inconsistent with and/or (2) are otherwise inconsistent with, either the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure or any of the other incorporated references, the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure shall control, and the term or incorporated disclosure therein shall only control with respect to the reference in which the term is defined and/or the incorporated disclosure was present originally.

As used herein the terms “adapted” and “configured” mean that the element, component, or other subject matter is designed and/or intended to perform a given function. Thus, the use of the terms “adapted” and “configured” should not be construed to mean that a given element, component, or other subject matter is simply “capable of” performing a given function but that the element, component, and/or other subject matter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the function. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that elements, components, and/or other recited subject matter that is recited as being adapted to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being configured to perform that function, and vice versa. Similarly, subject matter that is recited as being configured to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being operative to perform that function.

It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility and industrial applicability. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, when the disclosure, the preceding numbered paragraphs, or subsequently filed claims recite “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant reserves the right to submit claims directed to certain combinations and subcombinations that are directed to one of the disclosed inventions and are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in that or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An external heel counter, comprising: a heel counter body that is configured to form at least a portion of an external surface of a boot, wherein the heel counter body is configured to extend around a heel portion of the boot between an outsole of the boot and an upper of the boot.
 2. The external heel counter according to claim 1, wherein the external heel counter further includes a spur rest that is configured to support a yoke of a spur.
 3. The external heel counter according to claim 2, wherein the spur rest is located at least partially between the yoke and the outsole when the spur is operatively attached to the boot.
 4. The external heel counter according to claim 2, wherein the spur rest is sized to resist motion of a portion of the yoke that is in contact with the spur rest toward the outsole.
 5. The external heel counter according to claim 2, wherein the spur rest is defined by a protrusion on an external surface of the external heel counter.
 6. The external heel counter according to claim 2, wherein the spur rest is defined by the heel counter body.
 7. The external heel counter according to claim 2, wherein the external heel counter further includes a spur biasing structure.
 8. The external heel counter according to claim 7, wherein the spur biasing structure is configured to permit motion of the yoke toward the spur rest responsive to application of a first force of greater than a first threshold magnitude to the yoke in a direction that is generally toward the spur rest.
 9. The external heel counter according to claim 7, wherein the spur biasing structure is configured to permit motion of the yoke away from the spur rest responsive to application of a second force of greater than a second threshold magnitude to the yoke in a direction that is generally away from the spur rest.
 10. The external heel counter according to claim 9, wherein the second threshold magnitude is greater than the first threshold magnitude, wherein the second threshold magnitude is at least 2 times greater than the first threshold magnitude.
 11. The external heel counter according to claim 9, wherein the second threshold magnitude is greater than the first threshold magnitude, wherein the second threshold magnitude is at least 3 times greater than the first threshold magnitude.
 12. The external heel counter according to claim 9, wherein the second threshold magnitude is greater than the first threshold magnitude, wherein the second threshold magnitude is at least 5 times greater than the first threshold magnitude.
 13. The external heel counter according to claim 9, wherein the second threshold magnitude is greater than the first threshold magnitude, wherein the second threshold magnitude is at least 10 times greater than the first threshold magnitude.
 14. The external heel counter according to claim 7, wherein the spur biasing structure is configured to preferentially permit motion of the yoke toward the spur rest and resist motion of the yoke away from the spur rest.
 15. The external heel counter according to claim 7, wherein the spur biasing structure is configured to bias the yoke toward the spur rest.
 16. The external heel counter according to claim 7, wherein the spur biasing structure is defined by a plurality of serrations on an external surface of the external heel counter.
 17. The external heel counter according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of serrations define a first angle of approach on a side that faces generally toward the spur rest and a second angle of approach on a side that faces generally away from the spur seat, and wherein the first angle of approach is different from the second angle of approach.
 18. The external heel counter according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of serrations define a first angle of approach on a side that faces generally toward the spur rest and a second angle of approach on a side that faces generally away from the spur seat, and wherein the first angle of approach is greater than the second angle of approach.
 19. The external heel counter according to claim 7, wherein the spur biasing structure is defined by the heel counter body.
 20. The external heel counter according to claim 1, wherein the heel counter body is formed from at least one of a polymeric material, rubber, a polyurethane, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a flexible material, a resilient material, a rough material, a textured material, and/or a knurled material.
 21. A boot, comprising: an upper that is configured to receive a wearer's foot; an outsole that is operatively attached to the upper and is configured to contact a ground surface when the wearer wears the boot; and an external heel counter comprising a heel counter body that is configured to form at least a portion of an external surface of a boot, wherein the heel counter body is configured to extend around a heel portion of the boot between an outsole of the boot and an upper of the boot and support the wearer's heel when the wearer wears the boot.
 22. The boot according to claim 21, wherein the external heel counter defines at least a portion of an external surface of the boot.
 23. The boot according to claim 22, wherein the portion of the external surface of the boot extends between the outsole and the upper.
 24. The boot according to claim 22, wherein the portion of the external surface of the boot extends around the heel portion of the boot.
 25. The boot according to claim 21, wherein the upper defines an outer surface, and further wherein the external heel counter is secured to at least a portion of the outer surface.
 26. The boot according to claim 21, wherein the boot does not include an inner heel counter.
 27. The boot according to claim 21, wherein the external heel counter is the only heel counter that is associated with the boot.
 28. The boot according to claim 21, wherein the boot further includes a spur that is operatively attached to the heel portion of the boot.
 29. A method of assembling a boot, the method comprising: operatively attaching an upper, which is configured to receive a wearer's foot, to an outsole, which is configured to contact a ground surface when the wearer wears the boot, to define an upper-outsole assembly; and securing an external heel counter to an outer surface of the upper-outsole assembly.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the operatively attaching includes welting the upper to the outsole.
 31. The method of claim 29, wherein the securing is subsequent to the operatively attaching.
 32. The method of claim 29, wherein the securing includes adhering the external heel counter to the outer surface of the upper-outsole assembly.
 33. The method of claim 29, wherein the securing includes forming the external heel counter on the outer surface of the upper-outsole assembly.
 34. The method of claim 29, wherein the securing includes securing the external heel counter to the outer surface of the upper-outsole assembly with at least one mechanical fastener, and optionally with stitches. 